Chicken popcorn Recipe


Chicken popcorn Recipe



15 mins
2-3 people
10 mins




Introduction

 

Hey there, foodies! Let me take you on a nostalgic journey back to the days when I first encountered the delectable delight known as Chicken Popcorn. Picture this: It was a cozy evening at home, and my family decided to order some takeout from our favorite local restaurant. Among the array of dishes, there it was – a humble yet irresistible plate of Chicken Popcorn. With each crispy bite, I was hooked. Since then, this savory snack has held a special place in my heart, satisfying cravings and bringing joy to countless gatherings.

 

Now, let's dive into the magic of creating this crowd-pleaser at home!

 


 

 

Chicken Popcorn

 

Ingredients:

 

First Marination:

  • 1 cup Chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika powder

Second Marination:

  • 1 Egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika powder
  • 1 tsp Cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano

Seasoned Flour:

  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp Corn flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika powder
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano

Other:

  • Oil, for frying
  • 1 tbsp Peri-peri masala

 

 

Method:

 

1. First Marination:

  1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, paprika powder, and black pepper.
  2. Add diced chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Seasoned Flour:

  1. In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, black pepper, paprika powder, and dried oregano.

3. Second Marination:

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
  2. Add salt, black pepper, paprika powder, cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix well.

4. Assembly:

  1. Remove the chicken from the first marination and transfer it to the second marination. Let it marinate for another 30 minutes.
  2. Place an ice cube in the first marination to keep it chilled.

5. Cooking:

  1. Remove the chicken from the second marination and coat it with the seasoned flour mixture.
  2. Dip the coated chicken in the buttermilk marination and then coat it with seasoned flour again.
  3. Shake off excess flour.
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
  5. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove from oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

6. Serving:

  1. Sprinkle peri-peri masala over the fried chicken popcorn.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

 

Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Chicken Popcorn!

 


 

 

About the Recipe

 

Chicken Popcorn is a beloved dish that transcends age barriers – loved by kids, adults, and seniors alike. Its origins may be debated, but its universal appeal is undeniable. This snack, with its crispy exterior and tender chicken inside, is a testament to the artistry of simple yet flavorful cooking.

 

The preparation begins with marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in a blend of buttermilk, salt, and spices, allowing them to soak up the flavors for maximum taste. The addition of herbs and seasonings like chili powder and black pepper adds a kick of heat and depth to each bite.

 

Once marinated, the chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a crunchy exterior when fried to golden perfection. The final touch of frying transforms the marinated chicken into irresistible nuggets of delight, ready to be devoured by eager appetites.

 

Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, Chicken Popcorn never fails to impress with its crispy texture and bold flavor profile.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Marinate for Flavor

Allow the chicken pieces to marinate for at least half an hour to ensure they absorb the flavors of the buttermilk and spices.

2. Perfect Seasoning

Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for spice level, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

3. Even Coating

Coat the marinated chicken pieces evenly in the seasoned flour mixture to achieve uniform crispiness.

4. Optimal Frying Temperature

Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for crispy and golden-brown Chicken Popcorn.

5. Drain Excess Oil

After frying, place the Chicken Popcorn on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and retain crispiness.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Chicken Popcorn pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces, enhancing its flavor and adding a layer of indulgence to each bite. Some popular choices include:

 

  • Creamy ranch dressing
  • Tangy barbecue sauce
  • Spicy Sriracha mayo
  • Zesty honey mustard

 

Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing and elevate your Chicken Popcorn experience.

 


 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Popcorn

 

  1. Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Popcorn? Yes, boneless chicken works well for Chicken Popcorn, providing convenience and easy bite-sized pieces.
  2. How long should I marinate the chicken? Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Can I oven-bake Chicken Popcorn instead of frying? While traditionally fried, you can bake Chicken Popcorn for a healthier alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
  4. What oil is best for frying Chicken Popcorn? Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying to achieve crispy results.
  5. Can I freeze Chicken Popcorn for later? Yes, you can freeze cooked Chicken Popcorn in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  6. What spices can I add to the flour coating? Customize the seasoning with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor.
  7. How do I prevent the coating from falling off during frying? Ensure the chicken pieces are coated evenly and shake off excess flour before frying to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
  8. What can I serve with Chicken Popcorn besides dipping sauces? Pair Chicken Popcorn with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  9. Can I use skim milk instead of buttermilk for marinating? While buttermilk provides a tangy flavor and tenderizes the chicken, you can use a mixture of milk and lemon juice as a substitute.
  10. Is Chicken Popcorn spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of chili powder and pepper used in the marinade and coating.

 

Enjoy your culinary adventures with this irresistible Chicken Popcorn recipe!